When you say, “I do,” you expect your marriage to last forever. Nobody wants to plan for a future that doesn’t involve that special someone, but sometimes it doesn’t work out, and you want to make sure you’re protected. Having a prenuptial agreement can be a lifesaver if your marriage falls apart.
Prenups are Proactive
Prenuptial agreements make sense for any married couple, not just the extremely wealthy. They determine how your assets will be divided if you get a divorce, as well as who gets what if one spouse dies. They can protect each spouse’s existing resources, and the future needs of you, your spouse, and any children. They allow each person to understand where they are financially, and where their partner is financially as well.
Having a prenup can help prevent nasty fights, drawn out disputes, and costly court battles. It allows both parties to discuss and agree upon what will happen to all the assets, as well as any children, before things go wrong, which means that both parties can have a more open and communicative discussion. They let both spouses know where they stand, both now and in the future.
And while prenups don’t have the most romantic reputation, they are increasing in popularity. In a survey of members of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 63 percent reported an increase in prenups over the past few years.
